Hopped Up Johnnie
Cigar City Brewing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

500ml growler poured into HF stemmed glass. Growler filled 4/4, consumed on 4/19, reviewed from notes, split three ways. Consumed after a bottle of '11 Zhukov.

A- Pours a fairly thick black motor oil color mirroring the appearance of Zhukov, a very thin mocha head forms that recedes at a moderate pace (regular Zhukov definitely had more of a head but that might just be because this is from the growler instead of the bottle), liquid leaves some considerable alcohol legs and some very faint spotty lacing.

S- Dark chocolate, nice integrated scotch that fits in with the dark chocolate nicely and is well balanced making it's presence known but not dominating too much, some fudge, and a hint of molasses and faint presence of hops. About average to slightly above average aroma strength.

T- Chocolate fudge, dark fruits, integrated well-balanced scotch presence that adds a tiny bit extra boozieness, some light oak, and some very light hops on the finish that add a slight hint of citrus and conceals the sweetness a bit. Overall this was definitely a unique taste on the regular Zhukov. You definitely got the scotch presence which gave it more complexity on top of the sweet chocolate fudge and dark fruit taste of regular Zhukov. The hops also dulled the sweetness of regular Zhukov while adding a further dimension but still maintaining balance.

M- Smooth, velvety like regular Zhukov, very drinkable without showing too much of it's 11.5% abv, fairly low carbonation but nice for the style.

O- This was a very nice variation on regular Zhukov, I wouldn't say I liked it more then Zhukov but it added a nice variation that was just as enjoyable and easily stands right up there with other top-tier barrel aged beers despite not fully being barrel aged. The hops and scotch weren't too abrasive and fit the sweetness of Zhukov well. I'm glad I got to try this, but I probably wouldn't trade a lot for it or go out of my way to obtain it again.